Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations – Newstrends
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Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

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Abubakar Bawa

Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, have achieved another major victory in the fight against insecurity with the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba. The suspect, identified as Abubakar Bawa, was captured on November 23, 2025, in Wukari Local Government Area while attempting to flee.

Military intelligence links Bawa to Umar Musa, another infamous kidnapper arrested by the same formation just 24 hours earlier, suggesting both men belong to a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent assaults, and coordinated attacks across the region.

The arrests were made under Operation Zafin Wuta, a strategic clearance operation launched to dismantle kidnapping networks and neutralise criminal elements terrorising communities in Southern Taraba. The operation relies heavily on intelligence-led patrols, rapid troop deployment, and collaboration with local security outfits.

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Since its commencement, the operation has disrupted several kidnapping cells, rescued abducted victims, and weakened organised criminal activity in hotspot areas.

Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and precision, stating: “The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security.”

Uwa reiterated the Army’s resolve to eliminate criminal threats, asserting that no offender would escape justice as long as the operation maintains its momentum.

Residents of Wukari and nearby communities have welcomed the development, noting that persistent kidnappings and violent attacks had caused widespread fear and disrupted daily life. Local authorities have pledged continued support through intelligence sharing and enhanced community vigilance.

The Nigerian Army urged citizens to remain alert and assist security agencies with credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts. Bawa is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation as authorities work to uncover the full reach of the criminal network and identify additional collaborators.

Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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